I first bumped into Andrea Zelenak’s jewelry when I was browsing the beautiful pieces submitted to this year’s Battle of the Beadsmith. The necklace called “Shield of Evolution” made me stop and wonder about its complexity and all the details. A lot of different kinds of material, colors and shapes – and the result is a magnificent, perfectly balanced jewel.
Time flew and we had to say goodbye to a lot of talented artists. But Shield of Evolution stayed in the game round after round. It made its way into the final four jewels out of the original 256 designs at this worlwide, prestigeous competition. Congratulations, Andrea!
When I look at Andrea’s jewelry, it makes me think about strong and stylish women, who are not afraid to shout into the world what do they think and like, and in the same time they are very aware of their feminine side and beauty.
That’s what I call statement jewelry!
You will find here interviews with jewelry makers and fashion designers every second Thursday.
Enjoy!
Please tell us about yourself and your brand a bit!
My name is Andrea Zelenak from Arad – Romania and I’m a beadaholic.
Jewelry making is my job, my passion, my madness and my relaxation. If I’m not working, my mind is almost always creating designs, and matching colors, and shapes.
I’m a 36 years old proud mom of a beautiful 4 year old girl.
How did your story as a designer begin? Do you remember the first piece you sold?
Since I was a little girl, I made a lot of things for myself, but it was in 2009 when I discovered some handmade jewelry tehniques. I started with polymer clay, then a little bit of wire wrapping. When I saw soutache jewelry for the first time, I knew I had to try it! It was love at first sight. Since then, my world is all about soutache braids and jewelry. I don’t remember the first piece I sold, but I remember the first fair. It is magical, when you see the joy and pleasure in your customers’ eyes. That is why it is worth doing this.
Please tell us how does your average day look like! It’s so exciting to get to know more about the lifestyle of a designer!
Well, it isn’t so exciting. I am my daughter’s chauffeur, so my program is depending on hers, but isn’t that what every mother does? I work at home, when I am inspired, that means during the day or night, and it really doesn’t matter if it is Saturday, Sunday or Monday. I can work during the kid’s tennis lessons or while she is playing in the park.
What makes your designs stand out of the crowd of other designers? Which are your favorite colors, shapes, materials etc?
I don’t have a favorite anything. I love black, sculls and leather, but that doesn’t show in my jewelry. I am excited with every new idea, and the more impossible the theme, the more excited I get. I love the challenge!
For what kind of occasions can we wear your pieces? What’s the woman who wears your design like?
That’s a tough one, because I started without wearing any jewelry, so I didn’t know anything about that kind of fashion. If it is not a custom order for a special dress or occasion, I make jewelry for my taste, what I would wear, or what state of mind I am in currently.
Where does your inspiration come from? Do you have some rituals to boost your creative energy?
It depends, mostly I have to be alone, with loud rock music – that is the most perfect working and inspirational environment for me.
Do you have a piece of jewelry you made, that is somehow special to you?
Usually, my favorite piece is the last one, because in it is my every attention, a little piece of my soul. But now my special piece is my battle piece, Shield of Evolution. That necklace is my masterpiece.
If you could design something for a well-known person or maybe a fictional character from a film or book, who would it be, and why?
My daughter would like very much a necklace for a princess, with lot of pink and purple. I don’t know about the colors, but I would try to make that necklace.
What kind of clothes and accessories do you wear? Who are your favorite designers and why?
I don’t have a favorite designer, I dress for the occasion. I try to wear only handmade accessories, and especially my designs.
What is your goal in the future? Where would you like to see your brand?
I would like to own a studio with a showroom, or a little store, a place where I can work and meet with the customers, in a big city, anywhere in Europe.
Where can we see and buy your designs?
On facebook : www.facebook.com/AndreaZdesign
Thank you very much for answering my questions, Andrea!
Tell Andrea Zelenak in a comment, how do you like her art!
And what do you think about the new series “Face to face?”
Whould you like to tell us more about your art and be featured in one of the upcoming interviews?
Don’t hesitate and drop me a line here 🙂
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